Bailey

April 2009: 

Bailey was an owner release from a family of Pearl City, NY to Westie Rescue of NY.  Bailey is 11 years old.  When his previous owner contacted us, we were told that Bailey had some "skin issues". They let me know that they tried to help him, but he needed more time and attention that they were able to give him because they have three small children.  We were sent a few photos, which we later found out were about 9 months old.  Upon contact with their Vet, we found out that Bailey had always had skin issues which were addressed sporadically.  It seems that they took him in to the vet, but didn't always follow through on treatments.  It was the Vet's opinion that Bailey desperately needed treatment and follow through.  We agreed to take Bailey in and deal with all his issues.

Through the great generosity of the volunteers of Westie Rescue of NY, we were able to coordinate transportation across NY state from Pearl River, just outside NYC to Rochester, NY, approximately 325 miles away.  Upon meeting Bailey for the first time, my heart broke.  This Westie had the worse skin condition I had ever seen.  His left eye was almost completely sealed shut.  Just to the left of his mouth a large sore broke through his fur.  His underbelly was completely black with very tough skin.  But, through all this Bailey was a sweet boy.  The lady who transported Bailey let me know he was very good during the whole trip.

Bailey arrived in Rochester, NY on a Sunday.  The next day I made an urgent call to our Vet and was able to secure a late afternoon appointment.  Bailey was diagnosed with an eye infection, chronic Dry Eye, UTI, Malassezia and skin lichenification.

Bailey was put on Clavamox for his infections, for his eyes he was prescribed Mycitracin Ointment and Optimmune Ointment and he was to be bathed with Malaseb shampoo on a regular basis

It's been over a month since Bailey has been with us.  The sore next to his mouth is gone, his eye infection is gone, although he will have to have Optimmune Ointment administered to his eye twice a day for the rest of his life.  His skin has greatly improved, although I have been told that he will always have skin issues.  We are committed to seeing everything though.  On his next Vet appointment we hope to find out his UTI has completely cleared up.

We will be updating again soon.

- Gloria Mueller, President, Westie Rescue of NY